Recommend stylus force gauge for moving coil (MC) cartridge

[monkboughtlunch]

What is a recommended stylus force gauge for moving coil (MC) cartridges? I've read that the popular Shure SFG-2 stylus gauge is for MM carts only and can damage moving coil carts. Is that true?

 

[MRL_Audio]

Depends on the MC cartridge. But I guess that is a given. Guidance is usually provided in the owners manual which can readily be found at Vinyl Engine for download. Need to be a member but it's free to join. The Shure SFG-2 measures VTF. Not VTF for a cartridge type or family.

 

[Freddymac2]

I think you need a non magnetic weigh table due to the powerful magnets in a moving coil carts.

 

[Blue Shadow]

My SFG-2 is non-magnetic. MC cartridges are no problem. But I'm not saying that all SFGs are non-magnetic need to check each one.

Using a magnetic platform to set the stylus on will pull the cartridge down onto the stylus/cantilever kinda squishing it while in contact. Letting this happen isn't going to destroy some cartridges but it is not good to do and could damage some units.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

Making a stylus gauge out of magnetic material would be as dumb as it gets.

Quite a few induced MM's have a large slug magnet in the nose, and a field.

Given the size using non-magnetic stainless steel is simply not a cost issue.

rgds, sreten.

 

[Balifly]

The following digital scale can be use with mc cartridges.
http://www.dx.com/p/digital-precisi...se-5g-max-0-01g-resolution-16269#.WBzbk2orKpo

 

[MRL_Audio]

Balifly - that is my go to scale. The others are just to have in the collection of VTA scales.

 

[hugz]

That exact scale is readily available on ebay too somewhat cheaper

 

[Pronto]

The following digital scale can be use with mc cartridges.
http://www.dx.com/p/digital-precisi...se-5g-max-0-01g-resolution-16269#.WBzbk2orKpoI

I got one of those and it works just fine on both MM and MC.